Assisting push-ups

ABSTRACT

For assisting push-ups, a hand interface interfaces with a hand. A rebound module stores a compression force from the hand and releases the stored compression force against the hand.

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/558,250 entitled “ASSISTING PUSH-UPS” filed on Nov. 10, 2011 for Abdullah Bashraheel, which is incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

The subject matter disclosed herein relates to push-ups and more particularly relates to assisting push-ups.

2. Description of the Related Art

Push-ups are a popular form of exercise. Unfortunately, performing a proper push-up requires significant upper body strength.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the advantages of the embodiments of the invention will be readily understood, a more particular description of the embodiments briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only some embodiments and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of scope, the embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with springs;

FIG. 3 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with springs and supports;

FIG. 4 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with a strap and leaf springs;

FIG. 5 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with a gas spring;

FIG. 6 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with a bladder;

FIG. 7 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with an elastic material in tension;

FIG. 8 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with a weights;

FIG. 9 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with a glove;

FIG. 10 is a top-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of push-up apparatuses with elastic lines;

FIGS. 11A-B are a top-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of push-up apparatuses with balance bar;

FIG. 12 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of push-up assisting method;

FIG. 13 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with sliding base connection;

FIG. 14 is a top-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with sliding base connection;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view detail drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with sliding base connection;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with sliding base connection;

FIG. 17 is a schematic side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with an arcing downward flexible base; and

FIG. 18 is a schematic side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus with a flattened upward flexible base.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

References throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language do not imply that all of the features and advantages may be realized in any single embodiment. Rather, language referring to the features and advantages is understood to mean that a specific feature, advantage, or characteristic is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, discussion of the features and advantages, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, advantages, and characteristics of the embodiments may be combined in any suitable manner. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments.

The schematic flowchart diagrams and/or schematic block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations. It should also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. Although various arrow types and line types may be employed in the flowchart and/or block diagrams, they are understood not to limit the scope of the corresponding embodiments. Indeed, some arrows or other connectors may be used to indicate only an exemplary logical flow of the depicted embodiment.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment, but mean “one or more but not all embodiments” unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise.

FIG. 1 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 100. The push-up the apparatus 100 represents the genus of the embodiments of the present invention described herein. The push-up apparatus 100 includes a hand interface 105 and a rebound module 110. The hand interface 105 interfaces with a hand of a user. The hand interface 105 may allow the user to grip the apparatus 100. Alternatively, the hand interface 105 may secure the hand to the apparatus 100. The hand interface 105 may comprise a surface, a strap, a handgrip, and/or a glove. The hand interface 105 may include rubberized gripping surfaces, textured gripping surfaces, or the like. One of skill in the art will recognize that embodiments may be practiced with other configurations of the hand interface 105.

The rebound module 110 stores are a compression force. The compression force may be a vertical compression force. The hand may impart the compression force to the rebound module while the user is performing a push-up. For example, the user may employ two apparatuses 100, one apparatus 100 in each hand. The user may place each apparatus 100 on a floor or other surface.

Interfacing each hand with an apparatus 100, the user may lower her torso to the floor, performing a push-up. The hands may impart the compression force to the rebound module 110 from the hands pushing against the hand interface 105, the momentum of the torso being lower, or combinations thereof. The rebound module 110 stores the compression force.

When the user pushes her torso away from the floor to complete the push-up, the rebound module 110 releases the stored compression force against the hand, assisting the user in performing a push-up. In a certain embodiment, the rebound module 110 initially stores additional compression force as the user begins to push off, and then release the stored compression force. In one embodiment, the rebound module 110 may release sufficient stored compression force against the hand so that the user and the apparatuses 100 are propelled off the floor. Thus the apparatus 100 assists the user in performing a push-up.

The rebound module 110 may store the compression force as a material in compression. The rebound module 110 may comprise a spring selected from the group consisting of a compression spring, an extension spring, a torsion spring, a gas spring, and a leaf spring as will be described hereafter. Alternatively, the rebound module 110 may store the compression force as a material in tension. In one embodiment, the rebound module 110 comprises an elastic material in tension. In one embodiment, the rebound module 110 comprises a bladder selected from the group consisting of an air bladder and a liquid bladder.

FIG. 2 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 200 with springs 205. The apparatus 200 is a species of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The apparatus 200 includes the hand interface 105 and the rebound module 110. The description of the apparatus 200 refers to elements of FIG. 1, like numbers referring to like elements.

The rebound module 110 comprises one or more springs 205. The springs 205 may store the compression force while the user is lowering her torso and release the compression force as a user pushes her torso away from the floor. In one embodiment, each spring 205 is in physical communication with the hand interface 105. In addition, each spring 205 may be in physical communication with a base 206. The base 206 may include a rubberized bottom that prevents the base 206 from sliding on the floor. Alternatively, the base 206 may include a textured surface.

The hand interface 105 is depicted as a handgrip 207 with two struts 208. One of skill in the art will recognize that the embodiments may be practiced with any number of struts 208. The struts 208 may connect to a platform 209. The springs 205 may be in physical communication with the hand interface 105 through the platform 209.

In one embodiment, the springs 205 are stiff and compress in the range of 0.1 millimeters (mm) to 10 mm in the vertical direction. The springs 205 may allow the hand interface 105 to rotate about the base 206 in the range of 10 to 180 degrees. As a result the user must exert additional force to maintain the position of the hand interface 105, increasing the difficulty of performing the push-up.

FIG. 3 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 201 with springs 205 and supports 210. The apparatus 201 is a species of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 and one embodiment of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. The apparatus 201 includes the hand interface 105 and the rebound module 110. The description of the apparatus 201 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-2, like numbers referring to like elements.

The hand interface 105 is depicted as a knob in physical communication with the platform 209. The rebound module 110 includes one or more supports 210. The supports 210 may restrict the platform 209 and/or the hand interface 105 to moving along a vertical axis relative to the base 206. In one embodiment, the supports 210 comprise telescoping tubes.

FIG. 4 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 202 with a strap 280 and leaf springs 215. The apparatus 202 is a species of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The apparatus 202 includes the hand interface 105 and the rebound module 110. The description of the apparatus 202 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-3, like numbers referring to like elements.

The rebound module 110 is depicted with leaf springs 205. The leaf springs 205 may store the compression force from the hand against the hand interface 105 and then release the stored compression force against the hand through the hand interface 105. One of skill in the art will recognize that other arrangements of the leaf springs 205 may be used to practice the embodiment.

The hand interface 105 is depicted with a strap 280. The user may place her hand upon the platform 209 and secure the hand to the platform 209 with the strap 280.

FIG. 5 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 203 with a gas spring 260. The apparatus 203 is a species of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The apparatus 203 includes the hand interface 105 and the rebound module 110. The description of the apparatus 203 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-4, like numbers referring to like elements.

The gas spring 260 may be in physical communication with the platform 209 of the hand interface 105. In addition, the gas spring 260 may be in physical communication with the base 206. The gas spring 260 may store the compression force from the hand as compressed air and then release the stored compression force against the hand through the hand interface 105.

FIG. 6 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 204 with a bladder 225. The apparatus 204 is a species of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The apparatus 204 includes the hand interface 105 and the rebound module 110. The description of the apparatus 204 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-5, like numbers referring to like elements.

The bladder 225 may be a gas bladder field with the gas. Alternatively, the bladder 225 may be a liquid bladder filled with liquid. The bladder 225 may store the compression force from the hand and release the stored compression force against the hand through the hand interface 105.

FIG. 7 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 205 with an elastic material 235 in tension. The apparatus 205 is a species of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The apparatus 205 includes the hand interface 105 and the rebound module 110. The description of the apparatus 205 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-6, like numbers referring to like elements.

The rebound module 110 includes sides 230. The hand interface 105 is suspended by an elastic material 230 in physical communication with the sides 230 and the hand interface 105. The elastic material 230 may store the compression force in tension. In addition, the elastic material 235 may release the stored compression force against the hand through the hand interface 105. The elastic material 230 may be elastic tubing, elastic bands, or the like.

FIG. 8 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 206 with weights 240. The apparatus 206 is a species of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 and an alternate embodiment of the apparatus 200 of FIG. 2. The apparatus 206 includes the hand interface 105 and the rebound module 110. The description of the apparatus 206 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-7, like numbers referring to like elements.

In one embodiment, one or more weights 240 are secured to the apparatus 206. The weights 240 may be secured to the hand interface 105. The weights 240 may be secured with a threaded screw, a clip, a faster, a tongue and groove connection, VELCRO® fasteners, or the like. The weights 240 may increase the difficult of performing a push-up.

FIG. 9 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 207 with a glove 270. The apparatus 207 is a species of the apparatus of 100 FIG. 1. The apparatus 207 includes the hand interface 105 and the rebound module 110. The description of the apparatus 207 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-8, like numbers referring to like elements.

The hand interface 105 may be the glove 270. The glove 270 may be in physical communication with the rebound module 110. In the depicted embodiment the rebound module 110 is enclosed in a flexible shell 245. The flexible shell 245 may enclose springs, bladders, or the like.

FIG. 10 is a top-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of push-up apparatuses 208 with elastic lines 250. Two apparatuses 208 are shown. The apparatus 208 is a species of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The description of the apparatus 208 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-9, like numbers referring to like elements.

The apparatuses 208 are connected by elastic lines 250. Each elastic line 205 may be connected to each hand interface 105. Alternatively, each elastic line 205 may be connected to each rebound module 210. The user may grip the hand interfaces 105 of the apparatuses 208 with the elastic lines 205 disposed across her back. The elastic lines 205 may impart a tension resisting the motion of the user as she pushes away from the floor.

FIG. 11A is a top-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of push-up apparatuses 209 with balance bar 285. Two apparatuses 209 are shown. The apparatus 209 is a species of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The description of the apparatus 209 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-10, like numbers referring to like elements.

The balance bar 285 may removably connect to the apparatuses 209. The balance bar 285 may comprise two sleeved segments, one segment fitting within the other. The length of the balance bar 285 may be adjustable. The length of the balance bar 285 may be set with button hole detents, clamps, threaded clasps, or the like. The balance bar 285 may include rubberized gripping surfaces, textured gripping surfaces, or the like. The balance bar 285 may aid the user maintaining balance while using the apparatus 209 to perform push-ups.

FIG. 11B is a top-view drawing illustrating one alternate embodiment of a push-up apparatus 209 with balance bar 285. The apparatus 209 is a species of the apparatus 100 of FIG. 1. The description of the apparatus 209 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-11A, like numbers referring to like elements. The balance bar 285 may removably connect to the apparatus 209 at a mid-point of the apparatus 209. The balance bar 285 may allow the user to perform a push-up with a single apparatus 209.

FIG. 12 is a schematic flow chart diagram illustrating one embodiment of push-up assisting method 900. The method 900 may perform the functions of the apparatuses of FIGS. 1-11B. The description of the method 900 refers to elements of FIGS. 1-11B, like numbers referring to like elements.

The method 900 starts, and in one embodiment the hand interface 105 interfaces 905 with the hand of a user. As a user performs a push-up, the user's hand may apply a compression force to the hand interface 105. The compression force may be most significant at the terminus of the downward motion.

The rebound module 110 may store 910 the compression force. The compression force may be stored 910 as a material of the rebound module 110 is compressed, storing the compression force in compression. Alternatively, the compression force may be stored 910 as a material of the rebound module 110 is stretched, storing the compression force in tension. The rebound module 110 may further release 915 the compression force, assisting user in performing the push-up and the method 900 ends. By storing the compression force from the downward motion of a push-up, the method 900 and apparatus 100 can release the stored force during the upward motion of the push-up, assisting the push-up.

FIG. 13 is a side-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 211 with a sliding base connection. In the depicted embodiment, the hand interface 105 is disposed on a frame 292. The hand interface 105 interfaces with the hand. In one embodiment, the hand interface 105 is adjustable. For example, the hand interface 105 may adjust horizontally outward and/or inward. Alternatively, the hand interface 105 may adjust vertically upward and/or downward.

The frame 292 may be fabricated of molded plastic, a molded plastic reinforced with metal supports, or metal. One of skill in the art will recognize that other materials may be used for the frame 292. The frame 292 connects the hand interfaces 105 and may physically connect the two hand interfaces 105 with the balance bar 285.

The rebound module 110 includes a base 206, one or more sliding connectors 296, a spring 205, and a tension adjuster 294. The base 206 may include a bottom surface that resists sliding. The base 206 is slidably connected to the frame 292 by the sliding connectors 296. The sliding connectors 296 are shown in greater detail in FIG. 16. The base 206 may be a flexible material. The base 206 may flatten under the force from the hand of the user performing the push-up. The force motivates the sliding connectors 296 to travel outward horizontally along the frame 292.

The outward travel of the sliding connectors 296 applies a tension to the spring 205. Two springs 205 are shown in the depicted embodiment, although the embodiment may be practiced with at least one spring 205. The springs 205 store the compression force from the hand as a material in tension. As a user pushes away from the ground, the spring 205 releases the stored compression force by motivating the sliding connectors 296 to travel inward and horizontally along the frame 292. The inward travel of the sliding connectors 296 arcs the base 206 downward and outward, generating an upward force against the hand, pushing the hand and the user up from the ground. Thus the user is assisted in performing the push-up.

The tension adjuster 294 may change a spacing between the springs 205, adjusting the tension of the springs 205 for a given flattening of the base 206 and travel by the sliding connectors 296. Thus the compression force for the flattening of the base 206 is altered.

FIG. 14 is a top-view drawing illustrating one embodiment of the push-up apparatus 211 of FIG. 13. The frame 292 includes two balance bars 285. The frame 292 may also include openings 298. The inclusion of the openings 298 may reduce the weight of the frame 292. In an alternative embodiment, there are no openings 298 so the user is not exposed to the rebound module 110. In a certain embodiment, openings 298 may be covered with a net, a transparent material, or the like.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view detail drawing illustrating one embodiment of the push-up apparatus 211 of FIGS. 13 and 14. The tension adjuster 294 may adjust the spacing between the first spring 205 a and the second spring 205 b. In one embodiment, the tension adjust 294 includes a box 289 and a screw 295 that adjust the spacing by turning the screw 295 within the box 289. Increasing the spacing may increase the tension of the springs 205. A track 291 for the sliding connectors 296 is also shown.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view drawing illustrating one embodiment of the push-up apparatus 211. The track 291 and pin 293 of the sliding connectors 296 are shown. The track 291 may be configured as a longitudinal slot. The pin 293 may be disposed within the track and slidably travel along the track 291. Alternatively, the track 291 may include a groove and the pin 293 may include a wheel traveling within the groove.

In an alternate embodiment, one sliding connector 296 connects a first end of the flexible base 206 to the frame 292. A second end of the flexible base 206 may connect to the frame 292 at a fixed connection and rotate about the fixed connection, but not slide along the frame 292.

FIG. 17 is a schematic side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 211 with an arcing downward flexible base 206. The flexible base 206 is shown arcing outward and downward. The flexible base 206 may arc downward when there is no load on the apparatus 211. Alternatively, the flexible base 206 may arc downward as the compression force is released while the user pushes up from the ground to complete a push-up. The stored compressed force may be directed upward by the flexible base 206 to motivate the frame 292 and the hand interfaces 105 upward, assisting the user to perform the push-up.

FIG. 18 is a schematic side view drawing illustrating one embodiment of a push-up apparatus 211 with a flattened upward flexible base 206. The vertical flattening may be in the range of 10 to 300 mm. The flexible base 206 may flatten upward as the user descends down during a push-up, storing the compression force in the rebound module 110. The compression force is released the flexible base 206 returns to the position shown in FIG. 17. By storing the compression force while the user descends and releasing the compression force while the user ascends, the apparatus 211 assists the user in performing a push-up.

The embodiments may be practiced in other specific forms. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus comprising: a hand interface interfacing with a hand; and a rebound module that stores a compression force from the hand and releases the stored compression force against the hand.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: a frame in physical communication with two hand interfaces; at least one sliding connector slidably connected to the frame; at least one spring; and a flexible base slidably connected to the frame by the at least one sliding connector and physically connected to the at least one spring, the flexible based arcing downward in the absence of the compression force and flattening upward in response to the compression force, the flattening flexible base applying a tension to the at least one spring storing the compression force.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, the transition from flattened flexible base to arcing downward flexible base directing the compression force to motivate the two hand interfaces upward.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, the frame further comprising a balance bar connecting the two hand interfaces.
 5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein disposition of the hand interfaces are adjustable horizontally.
 6. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one sliding connector comprises a track and a pin disposed within the track and slidably traveling along the track.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least one sliding connector comprises a grooved track and a wheel disposed within the track and traveling along the grooved track.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hand interface is a surface.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, the surface further comprising a strap.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hand interface is a hand grip.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the hand interface is a glove.
 12. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rebound module stores the compression force as a material in compression.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rebound module stores the compression force as a material in tension.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rebound module comprises an elastic material in tension.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rebound module comprises a spring selected from the group consisting of a compression spring, an extension spring, a torsion spring, a gas spring, and a leaf spring.
 16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rebound module comprises bladder selected from the group consisting of an air bladder and a liquid bladder.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a removable weight.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the rebound module comprises at least one spring compressing stiffly in a vertical direction and rotating about a base in the range of 10° to 180°.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an elastic line physically connected to a first and second hand interface, wherein the elastic line passes behind a user's back to increase a pushup resistance.
 20. A method for assisting push-ups comprising: interfacing with a hand; storing a compression force from the hand; and releasing the stored compression force against the hand. 